Chapter 5: Distribution Maintenance (South) Branch

Distribution maintenance branch maintains the distribution lines, improves the distribution system and
sometimes carries out pole shifting jobs too.

5.1 Interruptions for maintenance purposes

Interruptions in the distribution system have to be done for maintenance purposes. Since the depot
Electrical Superintendent has the authority of both LV and MV lines in his area, any interruption
should be done through the depot Electrical Superintendent. Earthing the interrupted section is a must
because if a consumer uses a generator without a proper changeover, generator can back-feed the
system.

Procedure

1. First the relevant depot Electrical Superintendent should be informed.

2. Then the depot Electrical Superintendent carries out the interruption and earths the both ends of
the section.
3. Maintenance team earth the section they work.

5.2 Conductors

Conductors play a crucial role in electricity distribution. Different types of conductors should be used
for different purposes. Type of the conductor to be used depends on the load, voltage level and even
the atmospheric properties (ex: salinity) etc.

Table 5.1: Conductor Types

Current Carrying Cross sectional

Conductor Type Notation/in Notation/mm
Capacity/A area/mm2

Fly AAC 7/.134 7/3.40 155 68.66

Weasel ACSR 7/.102 7/2.59 95 36

Raccoon ACSR 7/.161 7/4.09 200 91.91

LYNX ACSR 37/.110 37/2.79 335 905.17

In coastal areas LYNX conductors are not used because due to the saltiness of air steel tend to corrode.
Therefore other types of conductors are used (ex. ELM for 33kV).

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5.2.1 Aerial Bundled conductors

Now aerial bundled conductors are frequently used in distribution. ABC has some unique advantages
over bare conductors.

Figure 5.1 Aerial Bundled Conductors

Some of the advantages and disadvantages of the ABC are listed below

Table 5.2: Advantages and Disadvantages of ABC

Advantages Disadvantages

Less way leaves disturbance Expensive

Less breakdowns 140 A max load

Less clearance 400 m runs max

Piercing connectors are used for tapping

5.3 Transmission Lines clearances

Table 5.3: Transmission Line Vertical Clearances

Description Vertical Clearance

Across the road 6.4 m

In any other place 6.1 m

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 Place inaccessible to vehicular traffic 4.0 m

Railway lines 7.0 m

Above any structure normally accessible to 4.5 m

persons

Above any other structure not normally 3.7 m

accessible to persons but on which a person can
stand

From trees 3.7 m

Table 5.4: Transmission Line Horizontal Clearances

Description Horizontal Clearance

Any structure not normally accessible to persons 1.5 m

Above any structure not normally accessible to persons but 2.1 m

on which a person can stand

Between conductors of the same circuit 0.9 m

From trees 2.9 m

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